EPDM SolutionsINVESTING AND INSTALLINGWITH LONGEVITY IN MINDLongevity is one of the significant benefits of choosing EPDM rubber roofing over marketalternatives according to Adrian Buttress, Managing Director of Permaroof, one of thelargest importers and distributors of Firestone RubberCover EPDM, and below hediscusses what makes rubber roofing so long-lasting.EPDM roofing membranes have beendeveloped as long-term solutions due tothe optimal balancing of key ingredients togive extended durability according to Permaroof.The distributor says when a complete system isused, contractors can expect the material towithstand the elements for more than 50 years.Permaroof points to proof of this already in actionwith Firestone’s first EPDM installation at AlboManufacturing in Wisconsin marking its 40th yearwith no reported issues – despite tornadoes,snow, and extreme sun hitting the areathroughout the decades.So, why is EPDM so long-lasting?The distributor says the single-ply roofing systemhas become increasingly popular in recent years– possibly because many EPDM flat roofs are stillgoing strong decades after they were installed.Adrian, Buttress, MD at Permaroof, explained:“When the Occupational Safety and Health Actand the Passage of Clean Air Amendment Actbecame law in the 1970s and negatively impactedasphalt, the commonly used flat roofing materialat the time, EPDM became the obvious choice tofulfil the newly-formed gap in the market.“Alternative flat roofing options often degrade dueto the loss of mechanical properties caused byexposure to UV. Temperature fluctuations, eventhose that are normal for the changing UK seasons,cause stress in materials with low degrees offlexibility and elasticity. This results in cracks andtearing – particularly at any joints or details.“EPDM rubber roofs, when applied correctly toadequately prepared roof decks,far outperform other types ofroofing. As well as theexcellent waterproofing,EPDM is resistant to UVradiation as well as ozone andtemperature fluctuations, whichwould otherwise age the productsignificantly. EPDM membranes have elasticityof over 300% to accommodate buildingmovement and extremes in temperature.Furthermore, flexibility and elasticity are retaineddown to temperatures as low as -45ºC.“EPDM membranes can be manufactured in verylarge sizes up to 15.25m x 30.5m, meaning manysmall flat roofs can be installed with a singlesheet of membrane – reducing or removing theneed for seams and further improving theproductivity and longevity of the roofwaterproofing installation.“Furthermore, RubberCover roofs can also beadapted during their long service life if a newfeature – such as a rooflight or vent pipe – isrequired, ensuring homeowners can always keepon top of trends.”Creating a resilient roofAdrian points out, however, as with any roofingmaterial, the proper application of the membraneis as important to the performance of the roofingsystem as the material itself.He explained: “Rubber roofs can be applied usingcold, water-based adhesives. This results in asafe, faster application method, and a lightweightand flexible result. Adhered roof systems alsoLeft: Adrian Buttress, MD at Permaroof.have a high wind upliftperformance rating, whichmakes them a good choice tofurther enhance the resilience ofa structure.“The best way to ensure the longevityof the roof’s performance – and avoidproblems and failures down the line – is to use afull waterproofing system of compatibleproducts, which consists of a membrane,adhesive, tape and primer from the same brand. Italso helps to aid traceability, which is increasinglyimportant on commercial projects, and helps tokeep a high standard of roofing in the UK.”Adrian concluded: “The benefits speak forthemselves, but it’s important to remember thatthis level of longevity is only assured by fullytrained contractors. While EPDM installation issimple, even the most qualified and experiencedroofers should keep on top of continuingprofessional development (CPD) to enhance theirskills in an ever-changing sector and, in turn,help to raise industry standards.“The natural characteristics of EPDM, and how itis supplied and applied are the key reasons for itsoutstanding longevity. With this in mind, it’s nosurprise that installations are still as effectivetoday, no matter the tornadoes, snow, or sun theyhave been exposed to.”Contact Permaroof / Firestonewww.permaroof.co.ukwww.firestonebpe.co.uk/en@PermaroofUK / @FirestonebpUK38 TC OCTOBER 2020
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